Article

5G Has Accelerated IoT Innovation and Connectivity—What Will 6G Bring?

5G brought connected device, higher data transmission speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity to a wide range of IoT devices. These developments led to advancements in various sectors such as healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and entertainment. A few of the advancements made possible by 5G include remote surgery, real-time industrial monitoring, and immersive virtual reality experiences.

How Is 5G Evolving?

Five years later, enhancements to 5G are being rolled out. Called 5G Advanced, these planned technological and network upgrades expand on the existing capabilities of 5G. One key component of 5G Advanced is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions. These introduce more intelligent network management capabilities.

These enhancements to 5G are laying the groundwork for 6G, which is slated to be commercially available in 2030.

Differences Between 5G and 6G

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, notable differentiators of 6G from 5G include enhanced scalability. Additionally, there is greater use of the radio spectrum, and dynamic access to different connection types. This means connections will be more reliable. Therefore, fewer drops in connection is critical to support advanced technologies like drones and robots. This dynamic access will enable connected devices to use multiple connections concurrently (such as Wi-Fi and cellular) to stay connected even if one source is interrupted.

The addition of AI and ML to the 6G network is intended to allow smarter devices to learn more like humans do. On a microscale, these applications can be used in autonomous vehicle technology. Potential use cases include improving traffic flow and allowing for autonomous taxi/bus services. On a macroscale, AI and ML will improve efficiencies across a wide range of areas. This includes manufacturing, logistics, and analytical industries, thanks to detecting trends and paths unseen by humans.

For local, state, and federal governments, services can be metered and controlled to match demand more precisely at any given moment. This increases efficiency, improves availability, and possibly slows the effects of global warming. Additionally, these algorithms could aid in predictive modeling for services (for example impacting wait times, trash collection, bus usage) and weather events (such as tornados, floods, fires, and more).

As 5G network capabilities expand globally, they pave the way for 6G. The world will need more engineers trained on telecommunications system deployment and management.

Leverage 5G Networks to Transform the World

IEEE is proud to launch its newest training program, 5G/6G Essential Protocols and Procedures Training and Innovation Testbed, in partnership with Wray Castle. This specialized training program provides a deep dive into essential 5G protocols. It focuses specifically on the 5G Network Function (NF) Framework, registration processes, and Packet Data Unit (PDU) session establishment. The program also features access to the 5G/6G Innovation Testbed. This is a cloud-based, private, secure, end-to-end 5G network testing platform. It provides hands-on experience with critical aspects of the 5G system. This helps reinforce the theoretical knowledge delivered in the course.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • On-Demand, Self-Paced Learning:
    The course offers 11 hours of on-demand, self paces learning, allowing professionals to study at their convenience.
  • Illustrated Digital Course Books:
    These feature leading-edge knowledge from subject matter experts..
  • Instructional Videos:
    Dive deeper into topics taught in the course.
  • Three-Month Access to the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed:
    This secure, cloud-based platform provides hands-on experience with critical aspects of the 5G system.
  • Guided Exercises:
    Signaling scenarios make learning and applying new concepts straightforward.
  • Wireshark (pcap) Output Files:
    Provide deep system insights.
  • Virtual Training Expert:
    Available as needed to assist learners.

This program is specifically designed for system engineers, integrators, engineers working with operation, optimization, and troubleshooting. It also targets technical professionals responsible for 5G system signaling, public mobile network operators, private network operators, network equipment vendors, test equipment vendors, and handset manufacturers. Additionally, it is for regulators and anyone who needs to explore and understand the 5G system signaling.

Enroll to earn credentials! After successful completion of the program, learners earn an IEEE Certificate bearing eleven Professional Development Hours (PDHs). You can share this proof of completion on your resume and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.

Make sure your mobile network knowledge keeps pace with the ongoing evolution of wireless networks. Learn more and request a demo today!

Thursday, 10th April 2025